SINGAPORE and Indonesia on Thursday signed an agreement to promote and protect investments, with the treaty promising Singapore companies operating in Indonesia protection and access to international arbitration in the event of investment disputes. Indonesian companies operating in the Republic will similarly enjoy investment protection.

The agreement, known as the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), was signed at the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders’ Retreat in Bali, Indonesia. Minister for Trade and Industry (MTI) Chan Chun Sing, who is attending the Leaders’ Retreat as part of the Singapore delegation, signed the agreement with Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi. The signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indonesia President Joko Widodo.

A statement from the MTI said the treaty will reinforce the strong economic ties and cooperation between Singapore and Indonesia. Singapore has been the top investor in Indonesia since 2014, with realised investments reaching US$8.4 billion in 2017.

The MTI said the treaty will complement the Asean Comprehensive Investment Agreement to promote greater investment flows between Singapore and Indonesia by giving investors certainty and confidence.

Mr Chan said: “Singapore has robust and long-standing economic ties with Indonesia and I’m glad that both countries remain committed to strengthening our economic relations. The signing of this BIT can boost the confidence of investors venturing into Indonesia, leading to greater trade and investment flows between our two countries.”